Annual Drinking Water Information

Size and number of connections

Location

The system is located in the Woodland Heights subdivision of Taghum. Taghum is within RDCK Electoral Area F between Nelson and South Slocan.

Source

The Woodland Heights water system derives source water from a 50 metre deep well.

System Description

The system was initially constructed in 1979 under the ownership of Woodland Construction Utility. At that time, the system served 16 lots. A second phase of construction brought 12 more lots on line between the years 1994 and 1997.

Treatment

Since the source for this system is an aquifer that is not directly influenced by surface water, filtration and disinfection are not required. Historic monthly sample testing indicates that water from this system consistently meets provincial regulatory requirements.

Storage

The system includes a 154,700 litre concrete reservoir. Past assessments indicate that this reservoir has a lifespan of approximately 50 years.

Distribution system

The distribution system is comprised of PVC pipe with steel and brass curb connections. Past assessments report that the lifespan of this piping is approximately 80 years.

Fire-fighting

The system includes two hydrants; however, at present, no agreement exists with the Beasley Fire Department for use of the hydrants.

Significant issues

The proximity of Woodland Heights to the wider community of Taghum suggests that opportunities may exist in the future to amalgamate water systems. The Taghum Improvement District, however, utilizes a surface source which is at higher risk for contamination than the well utilized by Woodland Heights. Since the well is not large enough to serve both communities, amalgamation at this time is unlikely and would be pursued if only mutually beneficial to each community.

In 2014, the water system continued to receive periodic sample results indicating the presence of total coliform bacteria. This resulted in system disinfection, system flushing and the issuance of temporary Water Quality Advisories. No sample result has ever indicated the presence of E.coli bacteria which would be typical of fecal contamination. The source of contamination has not been confirmed but it is believed to possibly be biofilm build up in the well or water lines which can be difficult to remove.

Plans for future upgrades

In 2014, the Regional District considered having the well swabbed, cleaned and redeveloped but decided not to proceed. This work can be expensive and is not guaranteed to fix the recurring bacteriological problem. In 2015, the Regional District will be reviewing the possibility of installing sodium hypochlorite or ultraviolet disinfection.

Governance

The Woodland Heights water system was converted to a RDCK service in January 2011. It was historically owned and operated by Woodland Construction Utility.